Running

Labor Day Trio

by Laura Clark

Labor Day weekend is a bittersweet holiday, marking the official end of summer vacation. With September comes the sober reality of shorter days and a “nose to the grindstone” mentality. It’s no small wonder that in 1882 New York’s Central Labor Union selected this time of year to honor the achievements of the American workers.

But for runners, Labor Day brings not only a respite from soaring temperatures, but also a plethora of racing opportunities. In our section of the Northeast, we are fortunate to have three unique races to usher in the fall season.

Leading the pack is the 16th Annual Monster Marathon and Half-Marathon on Sunday, September 4. Be advised that this is not your normal marathon or half-marathon combo with a few family-pleasing 5Ks and 10Ks thrown in. Boasting that it is “the toughest marathon course in the East with 5,560 feet of vertical climb,” the Monster explores the North Country National Scenic Trail and the Finger Lakes Trail. And yes, it takes place on Labor Day weekend and not on Halloween as the name implies. According to legend, Joe Dabes, who lives nearby, had an epiphany when he looked up, saw Virgil Mountain, and declared, “That’s a Monster of a hill.” And thus was born the Monster Marathon, featuring two out-and-back attempts for the marathon and one for the half.

Legend also has it that uphill stragglers may encounter the Forest Monster, often in full-leaf camouflage, and sometimes masquerading as a giant bee complete with lance-sized stinger. Understandably, many are spurred on to a new PR (personal record). But some need no prodding. Barbara Sorrell of Delmar, who recently completed the Western States 100, comments, “If I like the course, you know it’s uphill or downhill with very few flat sections.”

The first director, Joe Dabes, attempted to tame the Monster by adding age and gender handicaps with staggered starts. As Joe explained, “This worked out quite well for me, because I won.” With last year’s total of 86 combined finishers, the staggering insures that no one gets too lonely out there. Lorrie Tilly, president of the Finger Lakes Running Club, feels that this makes for a more interesting race. “I love the age and gender challenge and like to see how far I can go before someone passes me.” However, Becky Harman, current race director and first overall on the Monster, makes one exception, refusing to award the elusive Forest Monster a handicap. “It could win anytime that it wants to, but usually prefers to slink around doing its own thing.”

For those who prefer roads with a challenge, the 30th Annual Mount Greylock Uphill Road Race is held on September 5. Mount Greylock, at 3,491 feet, is the highest peak in Mass. and features an eight-mile run to the top. According to race director Bob Dion, Greylock is something of a cult race, attracting roughly 60 participants each year. Greylockians come for a no-frills adventure, with day-of-race registration only. But this year, in honor of its “never trust anyone over thirty” status, participants may register ahead and order a special collector’s T-shirt.

Still somewhat rebellious for a 30-year-old, Greylock has not been accepted into the prestigious Mountain Running Series, mostly because of its insistence on celebrating Labor Day. Richard Bolt, Teva US Mountain Running Team manager, explains “It’s really too late in the season to be part of the spring/early summer series,” and there is only one other fall uphill in the area.”

Greylock is independent in other ways as well. The climb is interrupted by short flat sections, creating a rolling hill effect. But, according to Bolt, “What makes this course different is about two miles of very flat, fast running between 5.5 and 7.5 miles. After grinding up the climbs, your legs have to be ready to hustle.” While this unconventiality is difficult for a competitive racer, it all helps to make Greylock more doable for a casual uphiller. The final half-mile, however, is worthy of any serious mountain, consisting of a steep, continuous turn, which hides the finish line and makes the final approach seem endless.

To handle the twisting, steeply banked course, Bob Dion suggests bucking the conventional wisdom to cut the corners and sticking to the more level middle section. And what if you can’t run all the way? Then do as first-timer Cheng-hua Lee of Albany did and include some walking breaks. Or follow the example of 76 years-young Don Perkins of North Adams, Mass., who power walks to the top. According to Cheng, “If you believe in yourself, you can do it.”

For those of you who have a life and don’t want to spend the entire day running, try the 17th Annual SEFCU Foundation Labor Day 5K. Formerly located at Schenectady’s Central Park, last year the race moved to the new SEFCU (State Employees Federal Credit Union) headquarters on the State Office Campus in Albany. My first reaction was to wonder who needs another spin around the campus after three months of Hudson-Mohawk Road Runners Club (HMRRC) Winter Series races. But I was wrong. Race Director Jim Armenio of HMRRC is quick to point out that the mostly flat course with one gradual climb is a variation of the usual winter route. Designed as a series of loops, it is extremely spectator-friendly with progressive viewing opportunities at every mile. As Josh Merlis, founder of the Albany Running Exchange confirms, “There was something exciting about running on a course I typically venture on when the ground is covered in snow and every last inch of my body is covered in clothing.”

Adding another interesting twist is the scholastic and collegiate team competition. Many area coaches use this race as a pre-season gauge for planning future workouts. Also, for a mere dollar, children can participate in a fun run and receive a T-shirt. All proceeds will be donated to the new Gilda’s Club chapter of the Capital Region.

So while enjoying the last carefree summer weekend be sure and pencil in some strenuous fun.

For more information: Monster Marathon www.fingerlakesrunners.org; Mount Greylock Uphill Road Race www.runwmac.com; and SEFCU Labor Day 5K www.sefcu.com or www.hmrrc.com.

Laura Clark of Saratoga Springs is an avid trail runner, snowshoer and cross-country skier. She is a children and young adult’s librarian at the Saratoga Springs Public Library.

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